Good Morning Britain viewers have taken aim at presenter Richard Madeley for his "painful to watch" interview with a ex teacher. During today's (Feb 1) episode of the ITV breakfast show, Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, was welcomed onto the set as teachers across the UK go on strike.
As they discussed the mass walkout taking place today in the first of seven days of industrial action, Richard was criticised online by viewers for his 'patronising' questioning. At one point, Richard purposely talked slowly and paused between each word.
"Did you tell your members not to inform head teachers if they were going on strike today," he asked, before returning back to his normal voice to add: "Yes, or no, sir."
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Kevin hit back: "We told them that they had the right to do that because we have obeyed every part of the very strong anti-union laws in this country and people who are going on strike to not have to inform the employer beforehand. We told teachers about that right."
Richard interjected: "Isn't it fair to let parents know if their school is going to be effected?" Kevin replied: "We told head teachers how many members were in their school and we think they should have planned on that basis."
Many people took to Twitter to vent their frustrations at the 'humiliating' approach Richard took. With an angry emoji, @MeeshyJay fumed: Richard Madeley talking to this guy like he’s talking to a three year old made my blood boil. Patronising and unbearable #gmb."
@Hutchy_jade asked fellow viewers: "Is anyone else feeling like #ITV #GMB victim blame? Why do they not hold the government to account for the strikes? It's painful to watch."
@NicoletteMiddl8 raged: "Never heard Richard Madley talk to ANYONE, the way that he just did to that Teachers Union Rep. Rude, biased, patronising, and plain unpleasant. I've switched off and will not watch anytime he is presenting in the future. Urghhhh!"
@Jamesak47 added: "Richard Madeley. You. Owe. Kevin. Courtney. An. Apology. For. Being. A. Patronising. P***k." @SteReid4 stated: "This is insulting."
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